New Zealand Defence Force Medals Site

Te Ope Kaatua o Aotearoa

Three Services as one force, being the best in everything we do

New Zealand Defence Service Medal -

Obverse View

Reverse View

About the New Zealand Defence Service Medal

The New Zealand Defence Service Medal (NZDSM) was instituted in April 2011 to recognise attested military service since 3 September 1945. The Royal Warrant for the NZDSM allows for one or more clasps to be awarded with the medal. The number of clasps awarded to an individual will be determined by the type(s) of military service undertaken by the individual. There are four clasps which can be awarded with the NZDSM: REGULAR (image shown above), TERRITORIAL, C.M.T. and NATIONAL SERVICE.

At least 160,000 NZ ex-Service persons are eligible to receive the NZDSM. This is the largest medal issue project New Zealand has undertaken since 1950-1954 when the majority of the Second World War medals were issued.

As at 23 September 2013, more than 44,100 medals have been issued to ex-Service persons. In addition, more than 9,900 NZDSMs have been issued to currently serving NZDF military personnel.

The design of the medal

The NZDSM is a bronze medal with an antique finish suspended from a dark blue, red, light blue and light green ribbon. On the obverse is the New Zealand Coat of Arms, which is the symbol of the Crown and Executive Arm of Government, and which indicates that the medal specifically recognises service on behalf of New Zealand.

The reverse side has on the right one large New Zealand fern frond. On the left are the emblems of the Navy, Army and Air Force - the Naval crown, crossed swords and eagle. These are the main elements of the Badge of the New Zealand Defence Force. The two fern fronds which normally form part of the Badge of New Zealand have been omitted to avoid the inference that the medal is an NZDF one, as opposed to a Royal Medal. Also many of the recipients will have served in the armed forces prior to the formation of the NZ Defence Force. In the lower section of the reverse are the words "THE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE SERVICE MEDAL".

About the ribbon

The medal ribbon reflects the colours of the Navy, Army and Air Force as dark blue, red and light blue respectively. Light green stripes have been added between these colour stripes to reflect the volunteer and territorial elements of the Services.

When only ribbons are worn, a small silver rosette is worn on the NZDSM ribbon to represent the award of a second Clasp. Two small silver rosettes are worn on the ribbon to represent the award of three Clasps.

Clasps and Bars

If a person qualifies for more than one clasp, the first clasp qualified for is worn closest to the medal and suspender (i.e. at the bottom of the ribbon). The second clasp qualified for is worn above the first clasp. The third clasp qualified for is worn above the second clasp. E.g. if someone completed C.M.T. in 1954, then served in the Regular Force for three years or more, then transferred to the Territorial Force and was efficient for three or more Training Years the clasps would look like this: